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USA 1-0 Algeria

USA coach Bob Bradley leaves center-back Oguchi Onyewu on the bench and calls up Jonathan Bornstein, while Hercules Gomez comes in for suspended striker Robbie Findley and Maurice Edu replaces Jose Torres in midfield. Algeria make one change from their 0-0 draw with England, bringing in striker Rafik Djebbour.

ContributorBBC Sport's Alan Hansen

"We've talked long and hard about the system, but England have got to be better at possession today. We're talking about some players who are great in possession, like Wayne Rooney, and they need to improve."

ContributorBBC Sport's Roy Hodgson

"One change was forced upon the coach, but the other two are quite positive I think. What is important is that if England have a lot of the ball, they make use of it in the final third."

14:30Commentary

I know you're bored of my rubbish predos, so I've got a special guest predo for today...

Stevo's three-year-old nephew Nathan's predo:
England 10-0 Slovenia

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Graham Taylor

"Wayne Rooney is demanding of his team and himself of a certain level of performance. If neither he or the team achieve that level then he gets frustrated."

SMS

Dave, driving from Belfast to Derry: "Leaving work at three as trusty mother-in-law is pausing the match for me. I have to get out of the building and then negotiate an hour-and-a-half drive with out finding out the score. Wish me luck."You got it pal. I hope she remembers...

ContributorBBC Sport's Nabil Hassan at Glastonbury:

"Sat in front of the Pyramid Stage with an estimated 10,000 people. Cider in one hand, vuvuzela in the other. It's baking hot, life doesn't get any better than this."

"England once again have superb support inside Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - proving again how wrong Wayne Rooney was to take his frustrations out on them after the dreadful draw with Algeria. The responsibility today rests simply with Fabio Capello's players - let's hope a more fluid formation suits them."

SMS

From Anon: "Inside Loftus with the Algerian contingent, hoping they’ll keep a draw here so England have the best chance of going through. Somehow I feel lonely!!!"

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"Jermain Defoe comes to life in the last 25 yards. He's scored goals for Tottenham and if he scores today then he can have a good run in the World Cup."

CommentarySlovenia coach Matjaz Kek:

"We are aware of the significance of the match for England and Slovenia. The stakes are very high. England have to go to the second round; Slovenia wish to go to the second round. This is our wish. I am just dealing with the problems Slovenia face, not focusing on the problems England face."

14:42Commentary

If you are in the UK and are going to watch this afternoon's action on the website, don't forget you can switch between the England-Slovenia and USA-Algeria games at the click of a button. England are also on BBC One and BBC HD and BBC Radio 5 live too.

CommentaryEngland coach Fabio Capello:

"When I said my target is the final of the World Cup it was because we showed this is a really good squad. I think if... no, not if, when we win on Wednesday then all the teams have to fight against us. We will be fit to fight. Definitely."

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris WaddleSlovenia v England

"For many of this squad, this is their final chance. Is this the golden generation? They've been decent but have never been a great team."

On Twitter: "Groundstaff out repairing the six-yard areas at both end of Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Not great."

14:54Commentary

The teams are out in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. If you could refrain from talking for a moment while we respect The Star-Spangled Banner, God Save the Queen, Zdravljica and Kassaman, I’d be ever so grateful. I’m becoming really quite fond of these tunes, you know.

14:56Commentary

We're on the brink of getting under way in both Group C contests after a belting effort from the England players during the anthem - big kudos to Matty Upson, David James, John Terry and Ashley Cole there.

14:58Commentary

It was a rather more sedate affair in Pretoria where the anthems of both the United States and Algeria were impeccably observed.

15:00KICK-OFFSlovenia v England

By a whisker, after a delay, we are under way first in Port Elizabeth.

15:00KICK-OFFUSA v Algeria

A second later, we are under way in Pretoria.

606

From hill16: "As an Irishman I would like to take this opportunity to wish England all the very best. Hopefully they'll play like we know they can. Cheers."

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"It's 4-4-2 for England. Slovenia are playing a very high tempo and put England under pressure from the whistle."

15:04CommentarySlovenia v England

Glen Johnson has had a poor start, mis-kicking once and twice committing silly fouls. He is lucky to avoid yellow after bringing downm Andraz Kirm, but he won't be so fortunate next time.

15:06HITS THE WOODWORKUSA v Algeria

Whoosh that was close for Algeria. A long ball puts Rafik Djebbour through and from the edge of the box he clatters a shot against the bar. At the other end USA go close with Herculez Gomes's shot pushed away by Rais M Bolhi.

15:07CommentarySlovenia v England

Slovenia are dangerous - no-one more so than Valter Birsa, who shoots from 20 yards and David James makes a comfortable save. They shouldn't just let him hit them from there, though.

15:09CommentarySlovenia v England

England are diving in needlessly here - this time Gareth Barry is lucky to escape a booking for a lunge on Aleksandar Radosavljevic.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris WaddleSlovenia v England

"There are not a lot of options for England when they have the ball. It has been a very nervous start by England."

ContributorBBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson

"My impression of England is that sometimes they're in too much of a rush to play the killer pass. Just settle down, move the ball around, and be patient England."

15:13CommentarySlovenia v England

Frank Lampard tries an ambitious 35-yard free-kick, but it's safely gathered in by Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic. That ball was moving all over the place.

ContributorBBC Sport's Martin KeownUSA v Algeria

"It's a slow start by the United States. At the moment they look a bit short on ideas whereas Algeria really look like they are going for the win."

15:15CommentarySlovenia v England

England are in the ascendancy in Port Elizabeth as Steven Gerrard plays a sweeping ball out to the right to James Milner, only for the Villa man to lose possession. England are passing it a bit better, though.

15:17CommentarySlovenia v England

The ball breaks to Wayne Rooney just inside the Slovenia area but instead of passing to a free James Milner on the right, he hits a shot that is deflected behind. From the corner, John Terry glances goalwards but it's past the far post.

"Wayne Rooney has made a couple of promising contributions early on, a cross that was just headed away from Steven Gerrard and a through ball that was only inches from perfection. Rooney is under pressure to perform after a poor start to this World Cup, but hopefully these are good signs."

15:19CommentarySlovenia v England

Glen Johnson cuts inside on to his left foot frm about 22 yards and his shot bounces awkwardly in front of Samir Handanovic, who makes the save. At the other end John Terry gets in a fine block as Slovenia counter.

15:20OFFSIDEUSA v Algeria

Clint Dempsey has the ball in the Algeria net, but it is ruled out for offside. Looked like he was level three yards out, the Fulham forward. USA coach Bob Bradley is furious on the touchline. President Bill Clinton doesn't look too fussed.

15:22GOALSlovenia 0-1 England

Has Jermain Defoe just lit the blue touch paper in England's World Cup campaign? The ball is worked to James Milner down the right and he fires over a super cross that Defoe - getting in front of his marker - meets first, volleying past Samir Handanovic, who could not stop it going into the net.

15:26CommentarySlovenia v England

Almost 2-0. James Milner sends in another fine cross and Samir Handanovic can only push it away from Jermain Defoe - it falls to Frank Lampard 18 yards out, but he fires over the bar. England are buzzing.

CommentaryGroup C as it stands:

England top the group, and they are going through to the last 16 with Slovenia.

15:28CommentaryUSA v Algeria

All quiet in Pretoria at the moment, though Algeria are having slightly the better of it and look a bit sharper in the final third too.

15:29CommentarySlovenia v England

England are rampant. Jermain Defoe hammers in a low shot frm 18 yards that Samir Handanovic saves and from the rebound Wayne Rooney tees up Steven Gerrard - his shot is half-saved by Handanovic and he recovers in time to turn around and pick the ball up about a yard off his line.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"England have pushed Slovenia back. Every time the ball goes into the box England look like they can score."

15:33CommentarySlovenia v England

Slovenia have some possession for the first time in quite a while, a reminder to England that their lead in this one is very slender indeed.

ContributorBBC Sport's Martin KeownUSA v Algeria

"Algeria are just starting to turn it on a bit but they have to get better service to their front men if they're going to break through."

15:35CommentaryUSA v Algeria

USA almost break through in Pretoria as Landon Donovan plays in Clint Dempsey and his shot from inside the area is well saved by Rais M Bolhi.

15:36CommentaryUSA v Algeria

That's an amazing miss from Jozy Altidore. Landon Donovan is half-blocked by the keeper as he cuts in from the right of the area, but with Rais M Bolhi out of position, Altidore spoons haplessly over from six yards.

15:39YELLOW CARDSlovenia v England

Mistakes at both ends almost let first Slovenia (because of Frank Lampard) and England (because of Marko Suler) in, but the defences recover. Slovenia's Bojan Jokic is booked for a foul on Glen Johnson and he misses the next match if they qualify.

ContributorBBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson

"It's important for England to cruise to half-time now, no mistakes - they have played very well in this first half."

15:43CommentaryUSA v Algeria

Karim Ziani lets fly from outside the USA area, but it's comfortably wide. Both of these teams can still go through, but they need a goal to do so.

15:44CommentarySlovenia v England

Bostjan Cesar goes straight through Jermain Defoe and poleaxes the striker, but the referee waves play on. Defoe is OK, if a little incensed at his treatment.

15:45HALF-TIMESlovenia 0-1 England

There's no 'I' in team, but there is a 'tea'. Stick the kettle on and put your feet up for 15 minutes.

15:46HALF-TIMEUSA 0-0 Algeria

Goalless in Pretoria and as it stands these two teams are both heading out of the World Cup.

ContributorBBC Sport's Alan Hansen

"With a little bit more luck the game could have been over for England. After a shaky few minutes to start with they showed what good players they are."

"England take a deserved lead into the interval as reward for a vastly improved performance. They are playing at the higher tempo that suits them and look much more comfortable on the ball. A second goal would have relaxed them even further, but otherwise a satisfactory first 45 minutes."

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From hawick: "England's half by far, but it's the oldest story of them all in football; as long as it is only 1-0, the nerves will kick in at some stage. Not over yet, this one."

SMS

From Louis (a very worried American): "How hard done by have we been in this group? Legit goals against Slovenia and Algeria, yet both disallowed, AND going out as it stands."

15:55CommentaryUSA v Algeria

So to summarise, it's goalless at the break in Pretoria. Algeria have adopted a patient approach to attacking while the United States have been a bit more direct. It's impossible to call who's going to win that one. Unless someone does win it, England and Slovenia are going through.

ContributorBBC Sport's Roy Hodgson

"I thought England played extremely well - the passing, tempo of the team and discipline has all been very impressive. They should be more than 1-0 up - the England crossing has been outstanding."

16:00CommentarySlovenia v England

Back under way in Port Elizabeth and within seconds of the restart Slovenia's sloppy defence allows a half-chance for Jermain Defoe, but he can only flick wide from six yards.

16:02CommentaryUSA v Algeria

Back under way at Pretoria as well - they are two minutes and 20 seconds behind. Benny Feilhaber comes on for USA.

16:03YELLOW CARDSlovenia v England

Glen Johnson gets in a promising position on the edge of the Slovenia box and he goes down - it looks like he is fouled, but instead he is booked for diving by the referee. Hmm.

16:04OFFSIDESlovenia v England

England are so close to wrapping this up - Wayne Rooney is played into the area and he squares for Jermain Defoe to tap in, but Rooney is correctly adjudged to be ahead of the last defender.

ContributorBBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"England are playing with a good tempo and all the players want the ball."

16:08CommentaryUSA v Algeria

Still no goals in Pretoria. USA coach Bob Bradley is breathing hard and puffing out his cheeks - it looks like the tension is getting to him.

16:09CommentarySlovenia v England

England look like they might score every time they go forward and another lovely exchange of passes between Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney ends when Rooney loses possession on the edge of the Slovenia box. How desperate is the 24-year-old to end his seven-match drought in an England shirt? (Very)

16:11CommentarySlovenia v England

Steven Gerrard is having a cracking game - he plays another stunning Hollywood pass out to the right to Glen Johnson and England are cranking up the pressure once again in Port Elizabeth.

16:12HITS THE WOODWORKSlovenia v England

Gareth Barry's deep corner from the right is met by a thumping John Terry header from a couple of yards, but Samir Handanovic makes a good reflex save. Moments later Wayne Rooney somehow escapes the flag and shoots against the post from 12 yards.

16:13HITS THE WOODWORKUSA v Algeria

Jozy Altidore runs down the left and passes infield to Clint Dempsey - his first shot cannons back off the post and from the rebound he lashes widly wide.

"Wayne Rooney's efforts are being rewarded with loud acclaim from England's supporters - showing there are no hard feelings following his outburst into the television cameras at the end of the Algeria draw.

"England have picked up where they left off after the break and have been impressive, but the second goal would make life so much more comfortable. Slovenia, outplayed, still have hope."

16:19CommentarySlovenia v England

England have to be careful, they have such a slender advantage despite outplaying Slovenia for so much of this match. A slip lets Valter Birsa approach the area, but his left-foot curler is tame and David James collects easily.

16:21CommentarySlovenia v England

Wayne Rooney is limping.

16:22CommentarySlovenia v England

My word. Slovenia counter after Gareth Barry gives the ball away and they have three shots on goal in quick succession, with John Terry and Glen Johnson getting in heroic blocks and then Valter Birsa firing wide. My heart stopped, briefly. Yours?

16:24SUBSTITUTIONUSA v Algeria

The United States are going for it now, bringing on LA Galaxy striker Edson Buddle in place of Maurice Edu. They're pushing more men forward and Algeria don't really look like scoring.

16:25CommentarySlovenia v England

Wayne Rooney appears to be running OK now, but England are readying Joe Cole. He is still alive!

16:27SUBSTITUTIONSlovenia v England

Wayne Rooney is taken off by Fabio Capello and Joe Cole comes on in his place. Huge ovation for both men.

16:28CommentaryUSA v Algeria

So close to a goal at both ends in Pretoria. Edson Buddle's close-range header is superbly saved by Rais M Bolhi before Algeria race away and Karim Ziani shoots beyond the far post when he really should have done better.

16:30CommentarySlovenia v England

Squeaky bum time, definition: right now. The England fans launch into a rendition of the national anthem - their team are 15 minutes away from a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

England are still enjoying the lion's share of the possession, if you'll excuse the pun, but it only takes a second to score a goal so they need to be alert. My boss tells me his two-year-old son has just punched his eight-year-old sister and knocked her tooth out. World Cup tension affects everyone.

16:35CommentaryUSA v Algeria

USA go close again as manager's son Michael Bradley fizzes in a 20-yard free-kick and Rais M Bolhi has to be on the ball to parry it away.

16:38CommentaryUSA v Algeria

Last throw of the dice for the United States as they switch to three at the back and bring on DaMarcus Beasley in attack. Even President Clinton is biting his nails as the game enters its final 10 minutes.

16:39SUBSTITUTIONSlovenia v England

England have retreated a little in the last few minutes. Fabio Capello sends on Emile Heskey for goalscorer Jermain Defoe.

16:41CommentarySlovenia v England

Miso Brecko hammers a right-foot shot miles and miles and miles over the England bar from 25 yards. This is almost unbearable. Up the other end and Joe Cole spanks one wide from an angle.

CommentaryGROUP C AS IT STANDS:

England will finish first, Slovenia second.

16:43CommentarySlovenia v England

Pinball inside the England area, that's not pleasant viewing for anyone. A sliding Steven Gerrard makes a crucial block and eventually the danger is averted. In Pretoria, USA are taking real risks to try and get the goal that would send them through.

16:45INJURY TIMESlovenia v England

The magic number in Port Elizabeth: three minutes of stoppage time. Matty Upson makes a stunning challenge to stop Zlatko Dedic from shooting. Oh my.

16:48FULL-TIMESlovenia 0-1 England

They don't make it easy for their fans, do they? England are through to the last 16. Now as for Slovenia...

16:48GOALUSA 1-0 Algeria

Oh Slovenia. At the exact moment the final whistle blows in Port Elizabeth, USA score in Pretoria. Jozy Altidore fires in a cross from the right and after Rais M Bolhi parries it, Landon Donovan gleefully slots the loose ball in. He is jumped on by what seems like the entire USA squad.

16:50RED CARDUSA v Algeria

Algerian captain Anther Yahia is shown a second yellow card for dissent. The referee's got the wrong man though, Yahia stepped in as peacemaker after Rafik Halliche had unleashed a torrent of abuse at the official. The Desert Foxes are exiting the World Cup any time now.

16:52FULL-TIMEUSA 1-0 Algeria

That is just incredible. USA leave it until almost the last kick of the game to break Algeria's hearts and break Slovenia's hearts too. USA have gone and finished top of the group as well.

16:55Commentary

England finish second in Group C and they will now face the winners of Group D (either Germany, Ghana or Serbia) on Sunday at 1500 BST in Bloemfontein - you will be able to watch or listen to that live across the BBC. As for USA, they wil play Group D's second-placed side on Saturday at 1930 BST in Rustenburg.

ContributorBBC Sport's Alan Shearer

"It could - and should - have been 4-0 or 5-0 and then we wouldn't have been sat here sweating so much at the end!"

ContributorBBC Sport's Alan Hansen

"As soon as England scored they were passing it better and moving it better and all of a sudden they look like a good team. With Jermain Defoe in the side they have got variation in their play."

606

From bluedevil: "US: Serbia + Uruguay. England: Germany + Argentina. Could the draw have been any harder? The two on form teams of the tournament!!"

"England responded well to the pressure and produced a much-improved performance - but Landon Donovan's late winner for the United States against Algeria has changed the landscape somewhat. If England reach the last eight, they now face the prospect of facing the dangerous Argentines.

"That is for another day - today is the time to give credit to Fabio Capello and his players after a traumatic week. Has England's World Cup started by the Indian Ocean?"

Twitter

From Robi1993: "James Milner may have been poor against the USA, but he's was sensational today. Man of the match for me."

CommentaryEngland manager Fabio Capello:

"This is what I wanted to see - the spirit, see them fight together. I am really, really happy. I rediscovered the team I knew from qualification."

CommentaryEngland hero Jermain Defoe:

"I'm lost for words - what a moment. You dream about this as a young lad. This was a must-win game, a Cup final. To get the early goal was great."

CommentaryEngland's James Milner:

"The main thing is that we got through, but we know we will have to play a tough team."

SMS

James, Winchester: "I can see Ghana holding or beating Germany this evening and I can definitely see Serbia beating the Aussies tonight... I think there's quite a good chance of Germany going out."

17:15Commentary

That's your lot from me, Jonathan Stevenson in Johannesburg - I'm handing over to Sam Patrick Lyon for some more Group C reaction so I can hot-foot it to Soccer City and watch Germany-Ghana this evening. Congrats to England and USA - and also to Gemma and Jono, who had a beautiful baby boy born during the game! Defo Jermain, then...

17:17Commentary

It was never in doubt was it?

17:20Commentary

Well that was much more like it, wasn't it? Stevie Gerrard was immense, James Milner quality, the defence brilliant - and little Jermain Defoe the match-winner. Have England stumbled on their perfect formula? And what of the trials to come? I'm Sam Lyon and I'm with you for the next little while to get your thoughts on all things Group C. Text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), Tweet me @sampatricklyon or join in on 606.

SMS

From Chris W: "Win or lose it didn’t really matter. What we wanted to see was pride, proud to be english and to play from the heart. Mission successful, well done England. Loving you from Singapore."

Twitter

From robantonycope: "Breathing a little easier after tense England win. Great performance, but prospect of Argentina in last eight makes our path harder."

17:28Commentary

"What trials to come?" I hear the voices in my head ask. Well, on my calculations, England's run could well now look like this. Second Round: Germany. Quarter-final: Argentina. Semi-final: Spain. Final: Brazil. They will have earned it if they win it and no mistake, huh?

17:30Commentary

England coach Fabio Capello has been talking to the media and has revealed Wayne Rooney was taken off midway through the second half because his ankle was "not so good". The Manchester United striker now faces a thorough medical assessment, but Don Fabio believes the 24-year-old "will be ok" for the next match on Sunday. Fingers crossed all round, yeah?

Twitter

From supportforWales: "1-0 and everybody goes into raptures? Are Slovenia a super team then or have I missed something?!"

606

From John: "Laughable, totally laughable. First - the Americans, yes the Americans, are top of the group. That sums up our quality."

ContributorBBC Sport's Harry Redknapp

"There wasn’t a weakness in the team tonight. I think we've got a big chance still to win the competition. It could be Germany in the next round but bring them on. I still think we can beat them. As for Jermain's goal - it was great movement, a great cross and fantastic finish. The little man has done it all his life. He has always had that natural instinct to get across defenders like all good goalscorers."

SMS

From Anon: "I think everyone in Group D will try to avoid England in the last 16 by aiming for the runner-up spot tonight."

ContributorBBC Sport's Alan Shearer

"We had to win the game and it was relief that we did. But the most pleasing thing was that we got a performance too."

17:40Commentary

Ah, the backlash has started. Plenty of you (though by far the minority) are getting in touch in response to "everyone's over-reaction". Perhaps it's because England fans are so used to being let down at the big moments that they're enjoying the moment while they can? Perhaps it's because they witnessed a very good performance - when it mattered - tonight? Perhaps it's because England are in the second round of the World Cup and very much alive and kicking? Unfortunately, though, I cannot read minds, so I'll leave the guesswork to you lot.

Twitter

From rosso_neri: "Fabio was utterly adorable at the end with his reaction. Love him."He looked a happy bunny didn't he? And a little like Postman Pat. Fair play.

17:47Commentary

Our very own Brent Pilnick has been chatting to Joe Cole after that game, and the little man makes an interesting point: "Any of three teams can go through from Group D really, so maybe finishing second might actually benefit us as it’s an extra day's rest. The teams are so evenly matched in this tournament, I don’t think there's a lot in it between Ghana, Serbia and Germany."

SMS

From Anon: "I managed to watch the first two lacklustre games but missed today's because of work and I'm at work Sunday. Maybe England will win again. Should I stay at work until after the final and live on poor coffee and cold pizza to ensure they win?"Anything else would be treason, I believe. Yep - just checked - treason. Stay at work mate.

17:52Commentary

Right - another reality check alert I'm afraid. England have never gone past the quarter-final stage when progressing as group runners-up. The United States, meanwhile, qualify as group winners for the first time since 1930. I wonder if that's an omen for Uruguay?

SMS

From Rob, Newbury: "No over-reaction at all. This is what was expected, it was the Algeria game which was the aberration. Spain (a super team, supportforWales) lost, Germany lost, Italy held by NZ and Paraguay - and then there was France..."

Twitter

From TheKanMan: "Not sure if the Group D teams fear the US. They should, though - we have been showing the spirit you expect from England!"

18:00Commentary

Right then, that's it from this commentary - don't forget to check out our match report - I'll be back in half an hour or so for this evening's climax to Group D. As we now know, that pair of games could have a massive affect on England's tournament - so don't you dare miss it. See you in a bit.

By Sam Sheringham

Landon Donovan's dramatic stoppage-time goal secured a narrow victory over Algeria and fired the United States into the last 16 of the World Cup as group winners.

The US were on the brink of going out of the competition when Donovan followed up a sharp save from goalkeeper Raid Ouheb M'bolhi in the 92nd minute to smash the ball home.

Until that moment it had been a story of inspired saves from M'bolhi, poor American finishing and a lineman's error, which denied Clint Dempsey a goal in the first half.

But Donovan's late intervention delivered a deserved victory, which pushed England into second place in Group C on goals scored following their 1-0 victory over Slovenia.

The Algerians, who would have been going out even with a draw, had captain Anther Yahia sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the dying moments.

The first meeting between the teams came alive after five minutes when an Algerian long ball was totally missed by Jay DeMerit on its way through to Rafik Djebbour, who chested it down before volleying against the bar.

Moments later, at the other end, a long-range strike from US striker Hercules Gomez was pushed aside by M'bolhi.

Watched by former US president Bill Clinton, the Americans became more dominant as the half wore on and should have taken the lead after 20 minutes when Dempsey's effort was harshly ruled out for offside.

First Donovan's shot was brilliantly saved by M'bolhi but when the ball rebounded to the attacker, he quickly squared it to Dempsey, who turned it into the net, only to see his celebrations thwarted by the linesman's flag.

Dempsey went close again before Jozy Altidore missed the clearest opening of the half, blazing wastefully over the bar from five yards.

Algeria, who qualified for the finals via a play-off victory over Egypt, showed plenty of promise in their build-up play, only for most of their attacks to fizzle out on the edge of the penalty area.

The second half began in a similar manner with the Americans on the front foot and once again it was Dempsey who could have broken the deadlock.

Fed by Altidore, his first effort crashed back off the post, and his second was slashed wildly wide with left foot.

Knowing that a victory would send them through, US coach Bob Bradley threw on attackers Edson Buddle and Benny Feilhaber, whose low shot was saved by the legs of M'bolhi.

With the Americans committed to attack, Algeria began to threaten on the break and Karim Ziani flashed a low shot wide when well-placed inside the box.

But just as the Americans appeared to be running out of steam, the winning goal finally arrived.

Altidore raced clear down the right and crossed for Dempsey, whose point-blank effort was parried by the goalkeeper. The loose ball rolled into the path of Donovan, who made no mistake from six yards to send the American players and fans into raptures.

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